Worksop Operatic’s Oklahoma was oh so good

Director Andrea Colton and Musical Director Paul O’Leary must be proud of their talented team.

Chris Hind and Kristi Chambers played Curly and the girl he loves, Laurey. Chris gave a strong performance and Kristi’s dancing prowess proved very useful in her role as Laurey and as Choreographer in this production. The dance routines of both men and women of the cast were lively, well-timed and joyous. There were lots of smiles.

Aunt Eller, Laurey’s protector, famously played by Maureen Lipman on the London stage, was Sarah Hemsall who appeared in top form, her character blustering and bossing around farmers and cowboys alike.

Laurey’s friend Ado Annie (the girl who just can’t say no) was Emily Stevens making her debut with WLOS. Emily is an asset to the company. She’s lively, energetic and accomplished. The man in love with Ado Annie is Will Parker, played by another actor making his debut appearance with WLOS – Scott Walker. You can say exactly the same of Scott as with Emily. He shone in this role – perhaps shades of things to come.

Lloyd Hawkins made an amazing transformation from his usual comedy roles to play Jud Fry. We must see him in more serious roles in the future, because his depth of acting ability was a revelation.

Matthew Jayes played the comedy role of Ali Hakim the pedlar out to flirt with every young girl on his travels. Matthew is yet another actor to make his debut with WLOS in this show and his casting was another good choice.

With new faces like this Worksop Light Operatic Society are guaranteed a good future. This was a carefully produced show, with great attention to detail and songs delivered with strength and feeling. Wonderful.

by Wendy Fidoe